Striving to be great, Geno Smith grades himself an 'F' after first Jets practice

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith, a second-round draft pick out of West Virginia, looks to pass during NFL football rookie minicamp Friday, May 10, 2013, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (The Associated Press)

New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith, a second-round draft pick out of West Virginia, throws a pass during NFL football rookie minicamp Friday, May 10, 2013, in Florham Park, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) (The Associated Press)

Geno Smith says he would grade his performance in his first practice with the New York Jets an "F'' because he's aiming to be "an A-plus."

Despite the tough self-evaluation, the quarterback looked pretty good Friday at rookie minicamp. Smith appeared to have a solid working knowledge of the playbook, and zipped many of his passes — mostly in short yardage — accurately around the field.

Smith, who slipped into the second round after being thought to be a potential top-10 draft pick, has taken his share of criticism during the last several weeks for his abilities on the field and attitude off it. He said all the right things in his news conference after practice, and insists he doesn't "resent" any of the negative talk about him.